The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

PARADISE REGAINED

The river and tree pictured here are reminiscent of the Garden of Eden, and rightly so (Ge 2:8 – 10; 3:22 – 24). In the garden, people could have perfect fellowship with God, though they chose to rebel against him and broke that fellowship. In heaven, the relationship between God and his people will be free of sin; therefore, it will embody God’s created design.

The great hope of believers is that they will one day be able to worship God and find joy in his presence forever. John must have grappled for words to describe the glory of heaven: All that sin has destroyed will be no more. The relationship between God and his people will be made right, as will the entire world. Since his ascension, Jesus, the Creator of the world, has been preparing this paradise for all of his people who will dwell with him and revel in his glory forever (Jn 14:3). In fact, after all of these events come to pass, all of God’s creation will proclaim his glory, which will fill the earth as the waters cover the sea (Hab 2:14).

Jesus, thank you for preparing a place for me in paradise. I cannot wait to spend eternity worshiping you. Amen.